Cruise Passengers Face Disruptions in Puerto Vallarta Amid Violence

This week, cruise passengers scheduled to dock in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, are experiencing potential diversions due to recent violent events triggered by the death of cartel leader, Nemesio Oseguera, known as “El Mencho.”

On Sunday, February 22nd, concerns about safety surged following a US government warning about the escalating violence in Mexico, especially affecting areas like Puerto Vallarta.

A security alert released on February 24th stated that shelter-in-place orders had been lifted in cities including Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Tijuana, though local authorities continue to advise caution in these regions.

Despite some flights resuming in Guadalajara, cruise ships like the Royal Princess and Holland America Zuiderdam opted to bypass Puerto Vallarta on Monday due to ongoing threats.

In a response, Carnival Corporation assured that other routes in Mexico would proceed as initially planned. Holland America also confirmed its cancellation of Puerto Vallarta’s stop, affirming that the rest of their Mexico itinerary remains intact.

Norwegian Cruise Line announced that the “Norwegian Bliss” would also skip Puerto Vallarta this week. A representative emphasized that the safety of everyone on board is a priority.

Specifically, the incident leading to these disruptions stemmed from the recent killing of Oseguera, causing a wave of violence across Mexico. Reports from locals describe alarming scenes, with some saying it felt as though “a war was breaking out in the streets.”

Furthermore, witness accounts detail vehicles set ablaze and stores being looted, raising fears among tourists and prompting airlines to cancel flights as travelers seek to leave the area safely.

As the situation unfolds, cruise lines are diligently monitoring developments, advising passengers to check for updates regularly, as itineraries may be modified on short notice.

For now, some lines like MSC Cruises continue to operate in nearby regions like Cozumel and Costa Rica, yet travelers should remain aware of possible adjustments or cancellations.

In light of the ongoing violence, the US State Department’s crisis hotline has reportedly been inundated with inquiries from Americans seeking to exit the region amidst this unrest.